Transitional Heart Failure Clinic

Posted on September 25, 2018

Dealing with Congestive Heart Failure

Heart failure is a tough diagnosis to receive, but because the spectrum of it is so wide, and living with it can look different for so many people, we’ve developed a clinic specifically designed to help our patients dealing with congestive heart failure that is dedicated toward increasing quality of life and arming you with tools to help you make the most of your life after a diagnosis.

What Is THFC?

THFC, our Transitional Heart Failure Clinic, was created to help improve the quality and length of life across the entire spectrum of heart failure. It aims to help people transition through all the stages of heart failure they may experience, and provide exceptional care every step of the way. At South Denver Cardiology, this is a comprehensive program, staffed by highly trained physicians, advanced practice nurses, cardiac R.N.’s, and medical assistants. Education is the main focus as we want you to be able to take what you learn at the THFC and utilize it in your daily life, to ensure the quality of life remains as high as possible throughout the stages of heart failure.

What to Expect

Because this is a comprehensive program, there are a few things you should know going in. First, your initial session with us will be comprised of a 1-1 1/2 hour session that will go over medical history, a physical exam, medication review, goal setting, and possibly more if required. Other things you may experience in this first session include diagnostic and laboratory tests. Though this is a comprehensive program, it’s important to know that it’s not intended to be a permanent program for patients. The intent behind this clinic is to provide you with the education you need, tailored to your specific goals, and then to transition you back to your primary care physician or primary cardiologist.

What You’ll Get

You’ll receive access to online education modules that will help you understand more about your heart failure and how you can live life to the fullest even with the diagnosis. Alongside these educational tools, you’ll have access to professional help in examining where you are and setting goals that will help increase your quality of life. There will be follow up calls and research available to you as well. Depending on your situation, we may work together to find a new medication combination that will help with your symptoms as well as aid you in reaching your goals. Each case of heart failure is different, so think of us as your personal transitional team, helping you understand your diagnosis and where to go next.

When it comes to heart failure, the diagnosis can be overwhelming at first. It sounds scary, but it’s important to understand where on the spectrum you fall, what medications will work best for you, and how you can work toward your health goals, even as you start your “new life” with heart failure. That’s what the THFC is all about. If you think you may be a good candidate for our transitional heart failure clinic, talk with your primary care physician or cardiologist to be referred.